Senior Payroll Accountant

Life Care Services•Des Moines, IA

11d

About The Position

The Senior Payroll Accountant independently processes payroll for LCS-managed communities and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The role supports complex payroll matters, performs reconciliations, assists with client billing and reporting, and mentors and trains Payroll Accountants. It also identifies process improvements and partners with internal departments to support accurate, efficient payroll administration. The position works with bi-weekly retirement community payrolls, payroll tax accounts and filings, payroll-related financial data, client invoicing, audits, internal controls, and payroll system projects. It serves as a primary contact for escalated payroll inquiries and provides backup support for Payroll Manager functions as assigned. LCS describes its culture as progressive, collaborative, and community-oriented, with opportunities for professional growth, volunteer activities, and involvement in committees. The company says its work supports communities and enhances the lives of seniors.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
4–6 years of payroll experience in a complex multi-state organization.
Advanced knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations, tax reporting requirements, and payroll compliance practices.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and 10-key.
Strong understanding of payroll controls, auditing concepts, and process documentation.
Demonstrated ability to research and resolve complex payroll issues.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and consistently meet deadlines.
Ability to maintain confidentiality with sensitive employee and financial information.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and lead initiatives.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree.
Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification.
Experience with Oracle HCM Cloud or similar enterprise payroll systems.

Responsibilities

Process and review bi-weekly retirement community payrolls for accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance.
Serve as a subject matter expert on payroll, taxation, garnishments, benefits, earnings, deductions, PTO plans, and payroll system functionality.
Review and validate payroll transactions and employee data changes in Oracle, including taxation, compensation, deductions, benefits, and wage garnishments.
Maintain and oversee federal, state, and local payroll tax accounts and records.
Partner with the Compliance team to reconcile tax accounts, resolve discrepancies, review annual tax filings, and support W-2 processing.
Research, analyze, and resolve complex payroll, tax, and accounting issues.
Perform and review payroll account reconciliations to the general ledger and investigate reconciling items.
Analyze payroll-related financial data and prepare complex payroll reports for management, clients, auditors, and other stakeholders.
Maintain employee assignment costing and review payroll allocation reports used for client invoicing.
Assist with and review client billing information related to payroll and benefit expenses.
Serve as a primary contact for escalated payroll inquiries from employees, community clients, and internal business partners.
Monitor compliance with company policies, payroll regulations, and client-specific requirements.
Assist with payroll audits, internal controls, and compliance reviews.
Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, procedures, controls, and reporting capabilities.
Develop and maintain payroll procedures, documentation, and training materials.
Provide training, guidance, and day-to-day support to Payroll Accountants and other payroll team members.
Participate in payroll system implementations, upgrades, testing, and special projects.
Provide backup support for Payroll Manager functions as assigned.